The 2003 CLAWAR conference featured 130 papers on topics related to climbing and walking robots. The paper reviews the conference, highlighting the areas of entertainment robots, de‐mining robots, manufacturing applications, the use of artificial pneumatic muscles and robots for volcanic...

Automating the welding of custom‐built large structures becomes increasingly necessary due to the growing shortage of manual welders and competition from low‐wage countries. A consortium funded by the European Community is developing the technology necessary to make this possible.

Innovations in robots for plastics applications are moving in many directions. Two headed and up to six axis robots for faster unloading and secondary operations. Stand alone robot controllers are being replaced with control functions integrated into the controller for the injection moulding...

Graham Engineering, a UK company specialising in the manufacture of large complex components for high‐tech industries has pioneered the application of 3D laser trimming and welding of stainless steel and other difficult‐to‐process pressings and fabrications. It uses a Prima Optima 3D laser...

High‐powered diode lasers are becoming increasingly used in manufacturing for transmission welding of thermoplastic materials. This process can replace many of the traditional techniques such as ultrasonic welding. Benefits include being a non‐contact process that can encapsulate sensitive...

This paper presents a selection of new welding and cutting robots. Also describes software developments that allow for easier programming and the use of synchronisation to allow multiple robots to carry a single load.

This paper describes the development of a variety of robot welding and grinding systems. Also discusses the benefits of running arc welding cables within the body of the robot and the use of a computer controlled welder. Also covers digitally controlled spot welding and communication with a...

The forces and torques associated with friction stir welding (FSW) are discussed as they relate to implementation of the welding process with industrial robots. Experimental results are presented that support the conclusions drawn from models developed by others. It is shown that even with...

Network technology is being used more and more to replace direct‐wired links to integrate equipment making up automated and semi‐automated welding systems. Two formal welding standards efforts, one by the American Welding Society A9 Committee and the other by the Open DeviceNet Vendor...